Donald Eugene Anderson, Thief River Falls, MN, 90, passed away on Monday March 23, 2020 surrounded by his loving family at Pioneer Memorial Care Center, Erskine, MN

A Memorial Service to honor Donald will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor Luke Stavos officiating. CDC regulations will be followed. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Donald Eugene Anderson was born June 1, 1929 in New Solum Township, Marshall County, MN,  son of Emil and Marie (Hellquist) Anderson where he grew up on the family farm. Donald was baptized and confirmed in Rosewood, MN at Rindal Church. Donald attended school thru 8 ^th grade. He grew up working on the farm after 8 ^th grade raising animals, baling hay and so forth.

Donald entered the US Army on October 24, 1952 and served his country until his honorable discharge on October 6, 1954.

Donald met Esther Jeanette Overbye and was united in marriage February 15, 1964, to this union Mark and Jody were born and Delores, Harold, Arlen and Karen became part of Donald's family. They continued to live on the farm in Rosewood, MN. In 1969 the family moved into Thief River Falls.

Donald worked at Arctic Cat Welding for sometime and also Hartz Warehouse. He also had taken on a lot of odd jobs including mowing and snow shoveling. Donald enjoyed playing his accordion, building lawn furniture, stools and benches. He loved animals including horses, dogs and the livestock he raised on the farm. He enjoyed deer hunting in his younger years. He also enjoyed buying, and selling of good used vehicles which he took pride in shining them up. He fondly remembers a relative Walter Hellquist, the time they spent together and the memories they shared. His sister Irma's boys, Donald also helped them with farming and other work. Donald truly had a love for his family even though he struggled a great percentage of life dealing with anxiety. Donald's faith forever remained in Jesus. He knew in his heart that Jesus would come for him and there would be no more pain and suffering one day. The last six weeks Donald had a spiritual counselor Jeanne Rains with Essentia Hospice. Jeanne shared many bible verses and prayer with Donald, a few favorites were, Psalm 23, Isaiah 43 1-4 and Jeremiah 29 10-14.

Donald resided at Pioneer Memorial Care Center for 7 years, the staff was his extended family and they truly showed him that love and care.

Donald is survived by his loving children, son Mark (Sherri) Anderson of Thief River Falls, MN and daughter Jody (Mike) Holmgren of Thief River Falls, MN; step children Harold (Arlene) Overbye of Tucson, AZ and Karen (Dave) Johnson of Dayton, MN; along with many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren; sisters Ardis Tunberg of Thief River Falls, MN and Marlene Barnette of Thief River Falls, MN; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Esther, step-daughter Delores Minske and step-son Arlen Overbye; siblings Irma Hemmingsen, Mavis O'Donnel, Wallace Anderson, brother-in-law Roger Tunberg.